You Won't Even Miss the Water at these Four Fake Beaches

Paris Plages

Since 2002, Parisians have beached from mid-July to mid-August on the plages—an area otherwise known as the Pompidou Expressway on the Right bank. Sand is abundant and palm trees wave, plus there are cafes, climbing walls, dance lessons, and misting fountains.

The Beach at Governors Island

New Yorkers can take refuge from the summer heat at The Beach at Governors Island, a 20,000-square-foot fake beach on the former military island, situated right where the East and Hudson rivers meet (open May 26—September 30). Free weekend ferries shuttle beach-goers from Manhattan and Brooklyn to the island, where weekly parties (with DJs like Alesso and Laidback Luke), burgers, and craft beers await.

Streets Beach

The lagoon-like design of Streets Beach (in Brisbane, Australia) complete with white sand and subtropical plants and trees, makes it a popular attraction in South Bank. Australia’s only mid-city beach gets a plum view over the Brisbane River and the city skyline.

Nottingham Riviera

Every year Nottingham, U.K. dredges up 300 tons of sand and lays out 1,970 feet of boardwalk to create Nottingham-on-Sea. There's fun for kids and grownups—fairground rides, bumper boats, and a small pool, plus a bar, DJs, beach football games, and outdoor movie screenings.